NBA roundup: Nash reaches deal to join Lakers

Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash claps after scoring in the closing moments against the Sacramento Kings in a NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, April 3, 2012. The Suns won 109-100. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

Photo: Rich Pedroncelli

PHOENIX - Steve Nash is going to the Los Angeles Lakers, a Pacific Division rival the two-time MVP point guard tried so hard to beat, with little success, in his eight seasons with the Phoenix Suns.

At Nash's request, the Lakers and Suns reached a sign-and-trade deal, with Los Angeles using the trade exception it got when it sent Lamar Odom to Dallas to facilitate the transaction.

The 38-year-old Nash was a free agent but a sign-and-trade agreement was necessary for the Lakers to afford him. He agreed to a three-year, $27 million contract. In return, the Suns get four draft picks - first-rounders in 2013 and 2015 and second-rounders in 2013 and 2014.

In a statement released by his agent, Nash said that after he and the Suns agreed to part ways, he reapproached them to ask to pursue a sign-and-trade deal with Los Angeles "because it is very important to me to stay near my children and family," who live in Phoenix.

"They were very apprehensive and didn't want to do it," Nash said. "Fortunately for me, they reconsidered."

There had been sign-and-trade talks with New York and a lucrative free agent offer from Toronto.

Beasley, Suns reach agreement

A person familiar with the situation says free-agent forward Michael Beasley has agreed to a three-year, $18 million deal with the Phoenix Suns.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because deals can't be announced until July 11. Beasley, the second overall pick in the 2008 draft out of Kansas State, averaged 15.1 points per game in his four NBA seasons, two with Miami and the past two with Minnesota.